December 4 1892

Cold, it's all I could feel. The wind blew harshly outside my window; looking out into the dark sky I became lost in thought. Such an ominous night, I wonder what misfortune is befalling on the poor soul. Sighing tiredly I leave my cold window sill and head to my tattered mattress. Wrapping myself in the worn out blanket I fell into a dark slumber.

Blood, thick liquid stained every inch of the room. The rooms only light came in the form of a stream of moonlight, welcomed by the remains of a once elaborate curtain. Death, the strongest aroma smothering the small room began to suffocate the only living resident, a child. Sitting in a large pool of blood next to two mangled bodies the child wept.

The once recognizable lady and her husband now stain the rug dark crimson. The cries from this now orphaned child echo off the walls, this once cheerful child is known as Lady Charity Amalie Swan. Suddenly a gust of cold wind blew in through the window; the entrance banged open and rushed in a man. Prying the crying child of Lord and Lady Swan, the man rushed Evelyn to safety...at least that's what she thought it would be...

Sitting up and gasping for breath I twirl my head every which way. Breathing a sigh of relief I saw from my window that it was just before dawn, I get out of bed and start my daily chores before the lord of the house awakens. Nightmares are such frivolous things. Though this seemed too real, perhaps a memory? Huh, might as well get started. Moving quietly not to disturb the body lying beside me I grabbed my supplies and left the room.

Getting to work on washing the windows, dusting and sweeping I finished by half past seven, deciding it was time to start breakfast I began cooking my lords favorite blueberry pancakes with rich French syrup, sunny side up eggs, chewy with a crunch butcher fresh bacon and sausages, whole grain toast with black berry jam, and finally my lords favorite earl grey with a squeeze of lemon tea.

Finishing up my work I placed the food on a try and headed to wake my master. Climbing the huge winding stairs I made it to the second floor. Entering the fifth door on the left in the right wing I softly knocked. Hearing a muffled come in I open the door and greeted my lord with a strained smile. "Good morning my lord, I have brought your breakfast."

I said as I set it on his small table. I am the servant and head Maid to Lord Jarid Campford, an Irish immigrant that came to London to expand his business. Stepping away from the table I waited as my lord got out of bed, disheveled, and sat in his seat. Slowly I took off the lid to his breakfast and gently poured his tea. Nodding his head in thanks he started eating. Looking away as Lord Jarid ate. I let my thoughts drift.

I have to go to the store today, we're in dire need of more tea, meats, vegetables, and cleaning items and Ryker needs to learn the route soon. Hearing my lord clear his throat I met his gaze. "Yes My lord?" I ask politely. "I must inform you Charity that I will be on business for the next two days and I am putting you in charge of taking care of the mansion." he spoke clearly.

I bowed and answered with a 'yes m'lord' before clearing his dishes and taking them to the kitchen to be washed. Coming back up to change the masters' sheets and lay out his cloths I enter his room after a knock. Getting straight to work, I successfully made the bed and help my lord dress in a slim fitting white shirt, black vest, black slacks, brown jacket, leather shoes and dark brown tie. Once the mornings' routine was finished I started cleaning the entire mansion top to bottom.

Once done I sought out my Lord to inform him of my departure to the store. Finding him in his study I softly knock. "Come in." opening the door silently I stepped in the room. Lord Jarid looked up for a moment from his paper work. "Yes Charity, is there something you need?" he asked. Bowing in respect I answered

"Yes my Lord, I request to for Ryker and I go to town and buy some food and cleaning items to stock up the shelves. I find it's about time Ryker learned the route and help buy needed supplies, I promise we won't be long sir." I finished with a bow. My Lord nodded his head and waved me off with a flick of a hand, granting me permission.

Bowing again before leaving I hurried out of the room. Heading down to the staff area I found Ryker in the kitchen. "Ryker," I spoke see turn his head and nod in acknowledgment with a smile "We are going to town, so go get your cloak. Quietly please." he nods and heads off to our room. I follow him and find my cloak and snatch two baskets. Exiting the building we headed to the stables and saddled my mare Periwinkle. Straddling our mare I kicked her side and set off. Reaching the 45 minute walks trip in less than half the time on horseback.

Entering the market I quickly and efficiently school Ryker on the items we needed, how to find them, which shops are better and so on, until we gathered everything. Before heading for the exit I stopped when a bouquet of Burnt Orchids caught my eye. The normally dark red to white orchids were a peculiar colour, instead of red they were a deep navy fading to a pale blue.

Mesmerize by the fading effect I slowly leaned in to smell the bouquet. Suddenly a set of whisper's and a tugged on my skirt stopped me in my tracks. "Did you hear about Lord Jarid?" "Oh it's tragic really!" "Poor soul had no idea what happened." "Do you know who did it?" "Scotland yard found the footman standing over the lord with a crazed look, said he tried to run and fought against the restrains." "So sad..'" gasping in shock I grabbed Ryker's out stretched hand and rushed to the mare before galloping back to the mansion.

Reaching the mansion the entire premises was surrounded by cabbies. Jumping off my horse I told Ryker to stay put, I rushed to the men forming a line. One of the officers noticed me "Oi! Miss Pedestrians aren't permitted on the land." he yelled. "I'm the head maid of the house please you must tell me what has happened to my Lord." I pleaded. The officer sighed. "Well Miss it seems that your co-worker murdered your Lord. The reason in doing so is still unclear. My deepest condolences to your Lord Miss." standing in utter shock my mind went blank.

Suddenly I steeled my expression. "Thank you, officer. May I ask how long the rest of you squad will be on the premises?" I asked, the officer replied with a curt two more hours. Sighing I stepped back and towards the horse and curious boy. "Ryker, it seems that our lord Jarid has been murder." I say quietly Ryker looked shock but nodded his head in understanding. He came down from Perri and gave me a hug. "We'll have to move darling, you know that right?" "I know Mama…but we will be fine" he spoke softly and reassurance washed over me, enough that I smiled.

Once it was all over, I was permitted in our once called home. Sigh in despair and relief I looked at the crime scene. "Well this definitely is a bloody mess. Stupid fool, what was he thinking shooting the lords brains out on the carpet? He knows better." I mutter to myself. Deciding that there's no need to clean the mansion, I headed to my sleeping quarters.

Once entering the dark room I grab my worn satchel and a bag, stuffing my journal, an extra dress, and clothes for Ryker, saved up coins and my favorite books from my deceased lords' library I fetched another bag to store water and food. Once done with my packing I head out side to my son and the horse. Where we are going I had no idea all I knew was that we had to leave.

Running away from someones sin real is easy, running away from your own isn't. Misfortune however is an inevitable sin that is impossible to stray from.